Amazon Cargo Plane Crash Raises Safety Concerns
Officials are investigating a Prime Air cargo plane crash at Miami International Airport. The Amazon cargo plane overran the runway and collided with vehicles, sparking a fire. The incident occurred on September 6, 2026. Automatic warning signals sounded in the cockpit, and a pilot warned about the high landing speed. Despite this, the crew proceeded with the landing.
Ross Aimer, with six decades of flight experience, criticized the crew’s performance. The aircraft landed at approximately 180 miles per hour. The pilots attempted to lift off again but crashed into two vehicles, resulting in the deaths of five airport workers. Another five individuals sustained injuries. Aimer emphasized the need for a go-around in such unstable approaches.
These fellows should have gone around long before even getting close to that airport.
The crash has spotlighted safety issues at 21 Air, the small carrier operating the Amazon flight. Former pilots have previously criticized the company’s safety practices. The crash also leads to discussions about Amazon’s choice of partnering with smaller carriers instead of using its fleet.
Amazon disputes this characterization. A spokesperson stated that contracting with multiple carriers aligns with industry standards. The company ensures all partners meet FAA certification for safety. Safety remains a top priority for Amazon.
The Miami incident is the third significant accident involving a Boeing 767 for Amazon. In 2019, an Atlas Air-operated flight crashed into Trinity Bay, killing three. The NTSB cited pilot error as the cause. Another accident in 2024 involved a runway overrun in Vancouver due to reported mechanical faults. No injuries occurred, and the aircraft returned to service afterward.
A UPS cargo jet incident in November highlighted broader industry challenges. A faulty engine bracket caused it to explode shortly after takeoff. The crash claimed 15 lives, including ground casualties.
Currently, Amazon contracts with nine air carriers, operating over 100 planes. This includes household names like Alaska Airlines and smaller carriers like 21 Air. 21 Air, headquartered in North Carolina, operates eight planes for Amazon, also flying for DHL. Aimer described 21 Air as a stepping stone for pilots aiming for larger carriers.
The 21 Air crew in the Miami crash had minimal experience with the Boeing 767. The captain had less than five months’ certification, and the first officer had less than 18 months.
21 Air didn’t respond to NPR’s requests but emphasized its focus on operational safety. They plan to assess findings from the NTSB investigation. Karl Seuring, ex-president of 21 Air’s pilot union, previously warned about safety issues. His warnings were disregarded, leading to a federal whistleblower lawsuit.
We anticipated and we feared it. And we knew the day would come.
Documents from the lawsuit highlight internal disagreements over safety commitments. 21 Air’s reputation for low pilot pay made it challenging to attract experienced pilots. Attempts to address this fell short, as pilots opted for more promising opportunities elsewhere.
Although reports about 21 Air’s safety concerns predate Amazon’s involvement with the airline, Amazon remains committed to safety. Both 21 Air and Amazon are cooperating with the NTSB’s ongoing investigation. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy seeks to understand the collaboration between Amazon and 21 Air.
Homendy is gathering information about contracts and safety policies between the involved parties. She has encouraged the public to share relevant information as the investigation continues.